David G. Valadao

To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs.

in committee

Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act

introduced

Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act

in committee

“Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Kappa Omega Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Bakersfield, California, on its 50th anniversary. Chartered on May 13, 1976, Kappa Omega Omega became the first Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter established in Bakersfield. Built through the vision and dedication of community leaders like Susianna Anderson and the chapter's founding members, the organization was created to strengthen the community through service and mentorship. Over the past five decades, the chapter has remained a driving force for education and positive change throughout Kern County and the Central Valley. Since 1980, Kappa Omega Omega has hosted its annual Graduation Awards Program, helping African American students prepare for higher education and awarding more than 1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors. Their Miss Fashionetta fundraiser has also served as a mentoring experience for young women as they transition from high school to college, providing them with invaluable career exploration and scholarship opportunities. Beyond their educational initiatives, the chapter's Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP) program has helped fight childhood hunger by providing meals to families in need. They have also supported local seniors through the Senior Shower of Love, participated in health efforts like the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and partnered with organizations across the community, including the Boys and Girls Club Angel Tree Project. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the sisters of Kappa Omega Omega on this remarkable milestone and in thanking them for fifty years of dedicated service to Bakersfield, Kern County, and the Central Valley. ____________________”

2026-05-15 · Education

“Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Houchin Community Blood Bank on its 75th anniversary and recognize its decades of service providing a safe and reliable blood supply to families in Kern County and across the Central Valley. Founded in April 1951 through the generosity of C. Elmer Houchin and the Houchin Foundation, the blood bank was established in memory of his mother, who needed transfusions during her fight with cancer. As the first blood bank in Kern County, Houchin made lifesaving care more accessible and ensured residents no longer had to travel long distances for critical treatment. For over 70 years, the Houchin Community Blood Bank has undergone several significant improvements to meet the needs of our community. Over the past several decades, Houchin has expanded its reach with multiple new medical facilities for blood collection and processing. In addition, they have upgraded their technologies to ensure the highest quality testing and collection. Today, the bank serves all of Bakersfield and Kern County through multiple collection and processing sites. Thanks to these efforts, and the generosity of countless donors, Houchin has helped save more than 3 million lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Houchin Community Blood Bank on this remarkable milestone. As Kern County's only truly local blood provider, their commitment to service has greatly contributed to ending the blood supply shortage, saved countless lives, and improved access to care. ____________________”

2026-04-28 · Healthcare

“Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Representative Vince Fong, to honor the life and legacy of Deputy Randy Joe Hoppert, Jr. A Central Valley native, Deputy Hoppert dedicated his life to protecting the people of Tulare County with integrity, courage, and a deep sense of purpose. On April 9, 2026, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy that will endure in the community he served and among all who knew him. Deputy Hoppert was raised in Visalia, California, graduating from El Diamante High School before answering the call to serve in the United States Navy. As a Hospital Corpsman from 2010 to 2015, he provided critical care to sailors and Marines during two deployments. After his service in the Navy, Deputy Hoppert reaffirmed his commitment to public safety by enrolling in the Tulare Kings Police Academy in 2019. A year later, he joined the Tulare County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy I assigned to the Patrol Division out of the Orosi Substation. He was quickly promoted to Deputy II and then reassigned in 2022 as a detective with the TAGNET Unit. In 2025, he was assigned to the Sheriff's office CATTCH Unit and served as a SWAT medic, using his military medical expertise to ensure timely trauma care for officers and others during critical, high-risk operations. He will be sorely missed by both the Tulare County Sheriff's Office and the community he protected and served so valiantly. Deputy Hoppert is survived by his wife, Ashley; his sons, Austin and Everhett; his unborn son, Levi; his mother, Stacy Schwab; his father, Randy Hoppert, Sr.; and countless loved ones who will carry on his memory. Mr. Speaker, Representative Vince Fong and I ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in honoring the life and legacy of Deputy Randy Joe Hoppert, Jr. His courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to others will never be forgotten. ____________________”

2026-04-28 · Veterans